Find answers to life's most important questions

The best answer to any question is always the one that you find for yourself.

Learn to think independently and become a powerful problem-solver: earn a UFV Bachelor of Arts with a major or minor in Philosophy.

The study of philosophy enables you to think clearly about key life questions: Does life have a purpose? Why obey the law? Does God exist? And more. It can also help you answer more prosaic questions, such as what career path to follow or which candidate to support in the next election.

As part of your philosophy studies, you examine influential ideas and great literature and learn how to use them as a starting point for your own thinking. You find out to avoid common mistakes in reasoning and express ideas clearly and logically.

Not only do you develop sharp investigative skills, but you also deepen your grasp of ethical issues, explore different belief systems, learn to lead fair and constructive discussions, and write clearly and concisely. Because these skills are at a premium in any workplace, philosophy proves to be a superior training ground for a career in law, religion, business, social work, public administration, international diplomacy, or writing. It is also an excellent springboard for a post-graduate education.

To beef up your résumé, get work experience, and expand your horizons, take advantage of study abroad opportunities and optional paid co-op work semesters throughout your studies.

Career Outlook for philosophy

A Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy is more practical than many may suspect. Some philosophy students go on to earn a doctorate to teach at a college or university — a conventional scenario. But many grads put their logic and analytical skills to good use in varied fields, including business, marketing, law, computer sciences, human resources, research, and consulting.

In fact, the Huffington Post reports that philosophy and entrepreneurship have a natural affinity. Some of the most successful tech entrepreneurs — such as Flickr's co-founder Stewart Butterfield and LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman — have degrees in philosophy and have used their critical thinking skills to launch innovative digital services.

These findings are confirmed by the compensation software and data company Payscale, which notes that a philosophy degree earns more than an accounting degree, with mid-career median salaries of $84,000.